Lunch and Learn brings together YSP alumni and students

On Friday, June 30, 2017, nearly 30 alums of the Young Scholars Program (YSP) and current Ohio State Young Scholars came together at the first YSP Lunch and Learn to better understand the direction of the program and to learn about opportunities for involvement and support. The Lunch and Learn also provided an opportunity to ask questions, dispel myths, and a chance to meet current staff.

Dr. Rochelle Woods, director of the Young Scholars Program, spoke about the history, changes, and challenges for the over 3,000 Young Scholars who have participated in the program since YSP began in 1988. Dr. Woods also spoke about the importance of “robust programs and support” for Young Scholars throughout their time at The Ohio State University. And that strong support from YSP is making a difference: the program size has expanded, and the first-year and second-year undergraduate retention rate has significantly improved since the new programming initiatives began.

While much progress has been made, Dr. Woods acknowledged that there is still work to be done. She acknowledged that there are challenges affecting Young Scholars, such as continuing to improve outcomes, increasing the number of pre-college students that are prepared for and enrolling at Ohio State, and increasing the access and participation of undergraduate scholars in high-impact programs such as residential learning communities, study abroad, and undergraduate research.

The alumni attending were quick to point out that the encouragement they received through the Young Scholars Program was instrumental in their academic journeys through high school and Ohio State. And each understands just how important it is for the program to remain strong. Said one alumnus, Derrick Greenwade, “We are all passionate about YSP, and we want to spread knowledge, and dispel myths.”